THE FISH THAT GOT AWAY

Putaruru Press, Volume XII, Issue 562, 8 March 1934, Page 7

THE FISH THAT GOT AWAY

OKOROIRE ANGLERS’ STORY Anglers are reputed to be notorious sons of Ananias, and most people have heard the story of the trout “ so big ” which got away, the size being indicated by the hands being held apart, which gap widens with each telling of the story. A new version, with a backing of truth, is told in delightful fashion by an Okoroire resident who recently made one of a party which tackled the big fish 'off Mayor Island. The story concerns an immense swordfish which got away after being brought to tlie boatside. It was estimated to be easily the largest hooked by the party. The Okoroire settler proudly and successfully played the monster, which when brought alongside the launch was stated to be almost as big as' the _ bqat. Through an unfortunate misunderstanding, just .when those aboard were going to. ,gaff the swordfish, one having hold of a rope on its tail, the apparently lifeless monster slipped the bait and slowly swam away, to the mortification of the angler.

The occurrence was the chief topic of conversation for the rest of the day, and before dinner was finished that night the fish had grown to world’s record size. This statement may, - of course, be doubted, but the fisherman in question, being an, experienced angler, and recognising that his word might not stand alone, took the precaution of securing the